Footwear Designer 2

ABOUT R.A.D®

R.A.D® is a performance footwear company that uses innovation and creativity to unlock the euphoria of sport. We blend cutting-edge performance with a distinctive aesthetic rooted in lifestyle subcultures. As an underdog in a field dominated by giants, we focus on authentic, credible brand-building that challenges the status quo, crafting products that are Tuned For The Future.

R.A.D® is one of the most disruptive premium athletic brands in the footwear industry. Our mission is to make a lasting impact on the footwear market by consistently delivering a unique consumer proposition through cutting-edge designs that seamlessly combine performance, style, and comfort. We foster a collaborative and creative work environment where talent thrives, and the best of style and functionality are at the forefront of our collective experiences.

THE ROLE

If you are a highly skilled and passionate Footwear Designer with outstanding visual communication skills and the desire to have a direct impact on one of the fastest-growing brands in the market, this role is for you. As a Footwear Designer 2 you will be a core part of the R.A.D® design team. Working directly with the Head of Design, senior designers, product development, and marketing to bring footwear collections from concept to shelf. Reports to Head of Design. Based in our Portland studio, full-time, on-site.

WHO YOU ARE

You are not just a stylist. You are a builder of iconic footwear.

You work at the intersection of performance engineering and cultural relevance. Athletic DNA informs your thinking. Style drives your decisions. You understand how footwear, the body, and the environment interact, and you translate that into silhouettes that are elevated, considered, and brand-right

Your sketches are strong. Your tech packs are precise. Construction, layering, tooling logic, and material intent are communicated with clarity. When you present, the room immediately understands the vision

You monitor performance trends, street adoption, material innovation, and digital evolution. Adobe is second nature. Rhino and Substance are tools, not obstacles. You experiment with generative and AI workflows to speed up ideation, not replace craft

You welcome critique. You refine without ego. You deliver under pressure and take personal responsibility for design intent from concept through to commercialization

Most importantly, you care deeply about the product. You obsess over every line, stitch, geometry, and proportion. You believe that performance footwear should be considered from collar to sole, and you take personal responsibility for clearly communicating that vision with a multi-disciplinary team

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Collaborate with the design team to develop innovative and stylish footwear designs that align with our brand identity and market demand
• Research trends, performance insights, and emerging technology, then translate findings into design solutions
• Create sketches, renderings, and 3D models that communicate your vision
• Develop and deliver highly detailed concept presentations with confidence
• Assist in selecting materials, color palettes, and hardware
• Produce precise tech packs and technical drawings with precise instructions for construction processes and the methods of manufacturing
• Demonstrate an attitude of proactivity by seamlessly collaborating with the extended product team to ensure our design execution exceeds industry standards
• Collaborate with product development to ensure designs are performance progressive, visually relevant, technically feasible, and emotionally compelling for the consumer
• Work with the Head of Design to develop style guides and design standards that maintain brand consistency

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or a related field
• At least 3–5 years of proven experience as an athletic footwear designer, with a strong portfolio showcasing your creative skills and technical expertise
• Strong sketching and design thinking skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities
• Deep knowledge of materials, construction, and manufacturing processes for premium athletic footwear
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, and Substance
• Comfort with generative and AI design tools
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to give and receive feedback directly
• A passion for fashion, footwear, and the sneaker biz, with a keen eye for the details that drive it
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to openly share ideas and support those of team members
• Personal dedication to staying current on industry advancements, performance knowledge, and style trends
• Willingness to travel quarterly, domestically and internationally
• Experience in running, training, and lifestyle categories is a plus

Benefits

WHAT WE OFFER

• Collaborative global culture that values performance, innovation, and sustainability
• Dynamic, performance-driven work environment with direct impact on global products
• Competitive salary and performance bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401k with company match
• Generous employee discount
• 20 days paid time off
• Quarterly Power of Movement allowance—put it toward a gym membership, race entry, or whatever keeps you moving

A small team building serious product. An underdog with something to prove.